The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine did not warrant an evaluation higher than 20 percent for the portions of the appeal period from January 22, 2003, to June 11, 2007, and from December 1, 2007. The Veteran's right knee retropatellar pain syndrome with baker's cyst also did not warrant an evaluation higher than 10 percent during the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran had limited range of motion in his lumbar spine and right knee, but these findings were within normal limits or slightly below. The Veteran was able to perform activities with some discomfort, which did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Right Knee Retropatellar Pain Syndrome with Baker's Cyst
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 22, 2010
- Citation
- 1043734
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1043734.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial increased rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis is remanded due to inadequate examination report.
- Granted
The reduction of the Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disability ratings from 40% to 20% was improper, and the prior ratings are restored.
- Denied
The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and the appeal for an increased rating has been denied. The Board also found that TDIU was granted as of January 16, 2010, but not earlier.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and chronic sinusitis. However, it granted an increased disability rating of 30 percent for left upper extremity radiculopathy.
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